Antiviral immunotherapy by membrane receptor ligation

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, a pharmaceutical composition containing said cytotoxic agent, the use of the cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections, a method of finding cytotoxic agents, the use of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes which is overexpressed in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes for the diagnosis of a viral infection.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending international patent application PCT/EP2017/056443 filed on 17 Mar. 2017 and designating the U.S., which has been published in German, and claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2016 105 069.5 filed on 18 Mar. 2016. The entire contents of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection, which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, a pharmaceutical composition containing said cytotoxic agent, the use of the cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections, a method of finding cytotoxic agents, the use of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, which is overexpressed in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes, for the diagnosis of a viral infection.

BACKGROUND

Viral infections are one of the great challenges of the present to science and medicine. One of the human pathogenic viruses in focus is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is an enveloped virus belonging to the family of the retroviruses and to the genus of the lentiviruses. An untreated HIV infection usually leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) after a latency phase of varying lengths free of symptoms, usually lasting several years. The worldwide HIV prevalence in adults at the age of 15 to 49 years was 0.8 percent in the year 2010. For Central and Western Europe, it was 0.2 percent. It was above average in Subsaharian Africa (5.0 percent) and the Caribbean (0.9 percent). In some states, such as Swaziland, Botswana or Lesotho, about one quarter of the 15 to 49 years old are infected with the HI virus. In Germany, the HIV prevalence in the year 2009 was approximately 0.1 percent.

For the proliferation, the HI virus requires host cells carrying the so-called CD4 receptor on the surface. These are mainly CD4 bearing T helper cells, so-called CD4⁺ cells or CD4⁺ lymphocytes. The main reservoir for the HI viruses is the follicular T helper cells in the body's lymphoid follicles, which make up about 2% of the CD4⁺ cells. Latent infected, resting CD4⁺ T cells or T memory cells, respectively, represent long lasting reservoirs for HIV. These cells are held responsible for the fact that despite the currently available antiretroviral drugs HIV cannot be eradicated yet and that recurrences occur repeatedly after discontinuation of the therapy.

Since the proliferation of the viruses takes place inside of normal cells and is closely linked to the central biochemical cell mechanisms, the antiviral agents in question must either prevent the penetration of the virions into the host cells, intervene in the cell metabolism to the detriment of the virus proliferation or, after a possible virus proliferation in the cells, prevent the new viruses from escaping from the cells.

On the other hand, however, these sought-after active agents must also be tolerable to the body's metabolism, the cell structure and/or the internal cell metabolism as a whole, as otherwise not only the virus proliferation in the cells but in the worst case also the (cellular) life of the entire treated organism comes to a standstill.

Because these conditions are very difficult to reconcile, some of the antiviral drugs developed so far are often associated with serious side effect risks.

The current therapy of choice for an HIV infection and AIDS is called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART is a combined drug therapy consisting of at least three antiretroviral agents. Several classes of active ingredients are currently used: Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), HIV protease inhibitors (PI), entry and fusion inhibitors and integrase inhibitors.

Some of the afore-mentioned active agents are referred to as ‘direct acting antiviral drugs’ (DAA). DAA specifically inhibit viral proteins, but not cellular proteins of the host. This principle of action should lead to fewer side effects.

However, it is precisely in DAA that the viruses to be attacked also develop resistance, which they are well able to do so because of their extremely fast reproduction cycle and the biochemical characteristics of this replication.

Furthermore, a disadvantage of the currently used antiviral agents is that they are virostatic, but not virotoxic. They inhibit the proliferation of the viruses, but do not kill them.

SUMMARY

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel antiviral agent with which the disadvantages of the currently available antiviral agents are reduced, possibly even avoided. As far as possible, such an active agent should be provided which kills the virus or the virus-infected cell, i.e. which is virotoxic.

This object is achieved by the provision of a cytotoxic agent, which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.

Using a novel FACS-based screening method, the inventors could surprisingly find that the afore-mentioned membrane receptors are significantly overexpressed in virus-infected T lymphocytes compared to non-virus-infected T lymphocytes. Thus, these membrane receptors at first enable the identification of virus-infected T lymphocytes.

An association between the afore-mentioned membrane receptors and the viral infection of T lymphocytes has not yet been described in the state of the art. They therefore represent a new biomarker with therapeutic implications.

The cytotoxic agent according to the invention makes use of the phenomenon recognized by the inventor. It selectively binds to virus-infected T lymphocytes and displays its cytotoxic activity there. Non-infected cells are not or significantly weaker bound. Side effects are thus minimized.

In contrast to most of the currently available therapeutics against viral diseases, the cytotoxic agent according to the invention does not only have a virostatic effect, thus not only prevents the spread and proliferation of the viruses. The cytotoxic agent according to the invention rather has a virotoxic effect and thus has the potential to selectively eliminate the infected T lymphocytes and the viruses and precursors of the viruses present in the cells.

The cytotoxic agent according to the invention thus satisfies a long standing need for causally effective therapeutics in the treatment of infectious viral diseases.

An “agent” is understood according to the invention to mean a substance which, on account of its chemical-physical properties, acts on the viability and/or proliferation of the virus-infected T lymphocyte. The agent may be a chemically defined compound, an active ingredient, a medicament etc.

According to the invention, “cytotoxic” means such an activity which exerts an inhibiting influence on the viability and/or proliferation of the virus-infected T lymphocytes.

A “selective binding” is understood according to the invention to be a targeted and specific coupling of the cytotoxic agent to the membrane receptor, which is based on a selective interaction according to the key-lock-principle. It is distinct from a non-selective binding, which is based on non-specific interactions between the agent and the receptor.

“T lymphocytes” form a group of white blood cells which serve the immune response and, according to the invention, comprise all T cells, in particular T helper or memory cells, which carry the CD4 receptor (CD4+ T lymphocytes).

“CD” stands for ‘cluster of differentiation’ and refers to groups of immunophenotypic surface characteristics of cells that can be classified according biochemical or functional criteria. The CD molecules are mostly membrane bound glycoproteins, which are often cell-specifically expressed and may have a variety of functions: Some CDs have receptor or signaling function, while others have been shown to have encymatic activity; in addition, some cluster molecules are attributed a central role in the intercellular communication.

“CD134”, also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) or OX40, is a member of the TNFR superfamily of the receptors that is constitutively expressed on resting naive T-cells. CD134 is a secondary, co-stimulating immune checkpoint molecule. It is assumed that CD134 has no effect on the proliferating activity of CD4+ T cells during the first three days, but after this time the proliferation slows down and the cells die to an increased extend. CD134 has been described to be involved in the pathological so-called cytokine storm associated with various viral infections, such as H5N1 avian influenza, an overreaction of the immune system that produces high concentrations of inflammatory cytokines which in turn cause the leucocytes to form additional cytokines.

“CD132”, also referred to as common gamma chain (γc) or interleukin 2 receptor subunit gamma (IL-2RG), is a cytokine receptor subunit common to the receptor complexes of at least six different interleukin receptors: IL 2, IL 4, IL 7, IL 9, IL 15 and IL 21 receptors. Lymphocytes expressing CD132 can form functional receptors for these cytokines. The prior art has described diseases associated with dysfunctions or mutations in CD132, such as X-SCID (‘severe combined immunodeficiency’) or schizophrenia.

“CD71”, also known as “transferrin receptor protein 1” (TfR1), is a transmembrane protein, necessary for the transport of transferrin into the cells by endocytosis. CD71 is described as a potential target structure in cases of human leukemia and lymphoma.

“CD70” is a protein that is activated on highly activated lymphocytes, such as in T and B cell lymphomas. It is therefore assumed that anti CD70 antibodies represent a possible form of therapy for CD70 positive lymphomas.

“CD54”, also known as ICAM 1 (intracellular adhesion molecule 1), is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is typically expressed on endothelial cells and cells of the immune system. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. After cytokine stimulation there is a strong increase in the CD54 concentration. CD54 is indicated by interleukin 1 (IL 1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and is expressed by the vascular endothelium, macrophages and lymphocytes. CD54 play inter alia an important role in the signal transduction of the cells. CD54 is associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in which free blood enters the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

“CD39”, also known as “ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1” (ENTPD1), is a transmembrane protein which catalyzes the hydrolysis of γ- and β-phosphate residues of triphospho- and diphosphonucleosides to monophosphonucleoside derivates.

“BTLA”, also referred to as “CD272” is induced during the activation of T cells. It causes a T cell inhibition through the interaction with receptors of the tumor necrosis factor. An activation of BTLA is implicated in the inhibition of the function of human CD8+ cancer specific T cells.

“CD97” or “BL-Ac[F2]” is a member of the adhesion GPCR family. CD97 is expressed on hematopoetic stem or progenitor cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, muscle cells and their malignant variants. In the immune system, CD97 plays the role of a critical mediator of the host defense. Outside of the immune system, CD97 may be involved in cell-cell interactions. CD97 is found in a variety of tumors, including those of the thyroid, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, colon, and oral squamous cell carcinomas.

“CD2” is a cell adhesion molecule found on the surface of T cells and natural killer cells (NK cells). Other designations include T cell surface antigen T11/Leu-5, LFA 2, LFA 3 receptor, erythrocyte receptor and rosette receptor. CD2 interacts with other adhesion molecules. A large proportion of T cell lymphomas and leukemias express CD2, so that in the state of the art CD2 is used to discriminate these states from B cell neoplasms.

“CD50” or “intracellular adhesion molecule 3” (ICAM 3) is a transmembrane glycoprotein. It is expressed constitutively and strongly by all leucocytes and is considered one of the most important ligands for LFA 1 in the initiation of the immune response.

“CD161”, also referred to as “killer cell lectine-like receptor subfamily B member 1”, “NK1.1”, “KLRB1”, “NKR P1A”, is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is expressed by NK cells and appears to be involved in the regulation of the NK cell function.

“CD218” or “Interleukin 18 receptor alpha” (IL 18 Ra) is a member of the IL 1 receptor superfamily. CD218 is expressed on Th1 cells, a subtype of NK cells, neutrophiles and IL 12 stimulated tonsile B cells. CD218 seems to play an important role in the innate immune response and autoimmune reactions.

“CD226”, also known as “PTA1” (“platelet and T cell activation antigene 1”) or “DNAM 1” (“DNAX accessory molecule 1”), is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of NK cells, platelets, monocytes and a fraction of T cells. CD226 mediates the cellular adhesion to other cells carrying their ligands, CD112 and CD155.

“CD7” is a transmembrane protein which is expressed on thymocytes and mature T cells. It plays an important role in T cell interactions during the early development of the lymphatic system.

“CD49d” is an integrin alpha subunit that forms a part of the α4β1 lymphocyte homing receptor. It interacts with LGALS8 and paxillin.

“CD29” or “integrin beta 1” is an integrin subunit, which for example, interacts with the alpha 3 subunit to form the α3β1 -complex, which reacts with molecules such as netrin 1 and reelin. As with other integrines, CD129 is involved in cell adhesion and cell recognition in a variety of processes, including the embryonic development, hemostasis, tissue repair, immune response and metastatic spread of tumor cells.

The over expression of the afore-mentioned membrane receptors in virus-infected T lymphocytes, e.g. in HIV-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes, was surprising and not suggested by the state of the art. It was therefore not to be expected.

The object underlying the invention is hereby completely achieved.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cytotoxic agent is coupled to a binding molecule which is selective for the membrane receptor.

With this measure the invention takes advantage of the properties of compounds to bind to the membrane receptors found by the inventor in a highly specific and selective way. A “binding molecule” includes any compound capable of selectively and specifically coupling or ligating the cytotoxic agent to at least one of the membrane receptors CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the binding molecule is selected from the group consisting of: immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin fragment, aptamer, low molecular weight compound, receptor, receptor fragment, cytokine.

With this further development of the invention, such binding molecules are used which are particularly well-suited for the selective and specific coupling of the cytotoxic agent to the identified overexpressed membrane receptors.

The immunoglobulin may be an immunoglobulin, and antibody, preferably an agonistic antibody.

According to the findings of the inventor, the cytotoxic agent can be coupled particularly advantageously to such a binding molecule and can be bound specifically and selectively to one of the identified membrane receptors of virus-infected T lymphocytes.

In an embodiment of the invention, the immunoglobulin is selected from the group consisting of: MEDI6469 (9612), MEDI6383, MEDI0562, Hu106-222/Hu119-122 (UTMDACC).

These are antibodies which are preferred according to the invention and are directed against the CD134 membrane receptor, and they are therefore particularly suitable as a binding molecule. MEDI6469 is an agonistic murine antibody from MedImmun, AstraZeneca, which is currently being tested for the treatment of solid tumors in humans in a phase I clinical trial.

The suitability of the antibodies mentioned above for the purpose of the cytotoxic treatment of a viral infection was surprising. Anti-CD134 antibodies are described in the state of the art, such as for example in Weinberg et al. (2006), Anti-OX40 (CD134) Administration to Nonhuman Primates: Immunostimulatory Effects and Toxokinetic Study, J. Immunother., Vol. 29, Nr. 6, S. 575-585, however as a component or in combination with a vaccine or as an immunostimulating agent. Unlike the invention, there the anti-CD134 antibody does not aim to have toxic effects on virus-infected cells but rather to have immunostimulating effects on the entire organism.

The immunostimulating effect of anti-CD134 antibodies is also disclosed, primarily in connection with the treatment of cancers, in WO 99/42585, EP 1 997 893, EP 650 020, WO 2013/038191, Curti et al. (2013), OX40 is a Potent Immune-Stimulating Target in Late-Stage Cancer Patient, Cancer Res. 73(24), S. 7189-7198; Bulliard et al. (2014), OX40 Engagement Depletes Intratumoral Tregs via activating FcγRs, Leading to Antitumor Efficacy, Immunology and Cell Biology 92, S. 475-480.

According to a further embodiment of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention, the virus-infected T lymphocytes are virus-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes.

This measure has the advantage that the cytotoxic agent according to the invention specifically and selectively eliminates T lymphocytes that serve as long lasting reservoirs of viruses in the case of an HIV infection. The elimination of these cells by the cytotoxic agent according to the invention not only results in a drastic reduction of the viral load, it also prevents recurrences during or after the discontinuation of therapy.

Against this background, a preferred viral infection to be treated or prevented according to the invention is an HIV infection.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cytotoxic agent comprises a cytostatic agent.

This measure has the advantage that for a targeted elimination of virus-infected T lymphocytes such an active ingredient is used, which has been proven in other indications, such as, for example, a cancer disease. As a result, empirical values relating to dosage, formulation, side effect spectra, etc. can be used.

In a further embodiment, the cytostatic agent is selected from the group consisting of: alkylating agents, platinum analogues, intercalants, antibiotics, mitosis inhibitors, taxanes.

With the mentioned cytostatics such drugs are used which are extensively researched and available with adequate drug safety. They are therefore particularly suitable for achieving the purpose of the invention.

According to an embodiment, the cytotoxic agent according to the invention comprises a virostatic agent.

This measure has the advantage that the virotoxic inherent effect if the agent according to the invention is supplemented by a virostatic effect. The therapeutic effectiveness of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention is thus further increased.

Against this background, another subject-matter of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the cytotoxic agent according to the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well-known in the art. For example, reference is made to the treatise by Kibbe A. (2003), Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 4th Edition, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pharmaceutical Press.

The embodiments, further developments, features, properties and advantages of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention apply equally to the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention.

Another subject matter of the invention is the use of a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection, which is configured for a selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.

The embodiments, further developments, features, properties and advantages of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention apply equally to the use according to the invention.

Another subject matter of the invention is a method for the finding of cytotoxic agents, which comprises the selection of such compounds which can selectively bind to a membrane receptor of virus infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.

The inventors thus provide a method that not only makes available cytotoxic agents already known in the state of the art, such as MEDI6469 (9B12), but also new compounds not previously known or characterized. Substance libraries can be screened for this purpose. The substances are brought into contact with the membrane receptors under suitable experimental conditions. It is determined whether a specific and selective binding occurs between the substances and the membrane receptors. Specifically and selectively binding substances are potential cytotoxic agents according to the invention.

The embodiments, further developments, features, properties and advantages of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention apply equally to the method according to the invention.

Another subject matter relates to a method for the diagnosis of a viral infection, comprising determining any overexpression of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes over uninfected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d and CD29.

The inventors have realized that the overexpressed mentioned membrane receptors are diagnostic markers via which a viral infection can be reliably detected. The detection of an overexpression on T lymphocytes correlates with the prevalence of a virus expression.

The embodiments, further developments, features, properties and advantages of the cytotoxic agent according to the invention apply equally to the method according to the invention.

Yet another subject matter of the invention is a method for the determination of surface structures on virus-infected T lymphocytes, preferably membrane receptors, which are suitable as a target of cytostatic agents, wherein the method comprises the infection of T lymphocytes with a virus and the determination of any overexpression of the surface structures on the virus-infected T lymphocytes over non-effected T lymphocytes.

The inventors have developed a model in which initially T lymphocytes are infected by viruses, for example HI viruses. The next step is to analyze which surface structures which are suitable as targets for a cytotoxic agent, are overexpressed on the infected T lymphocytes. The stronger the overexpression in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes, the more selective and the better suited as the cytotoxic agent according to the invention is a substance which binds highly specifically to this surface structure.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained in the following can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolated position, without departing from the scope the present invention.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments from which further features, properties and advantages of the invention result. The embodiments are not limiting.

It is understood that individual features disclosed in the embodiments are disclosed not only in the context of the very specific embodiment but in a general sense and in themselves provide a separate contribution to the invention. The person skilled in the art can therefore freely combine these features with other features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows schematically the establishment of a screening method for the determination of surface structures in HIV-1 infected T lymphocytes, which is the basis for the finding of the cytotoxic agents according to the invention, and FIG. 1B shows FACS analysis of stained CD4+ T cells;

FIG. 2A shows the increase in expression of various membrane receptors on HIV-1 infected versus non-infected primary human CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, and FIG. 2B shows the increased expression of CD134 on CD4⁺ T lymphocytes isolated from HIV patients.

EXAMPLES 1. Screening of HIV-1 Infected T Lymphocytes

CD4+ T lymphocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. The isolated CD4+ T lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) for three days. Subsequently, the cells so stimulated were infected with HIV-1 expressing CFP (‘cyan fluorescent protein’) via an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) together with the nef open reading frame. The surface of the infected CD4+ T lymphocytes was stained for 48 to 72 hours after the infection with 332 PE conjugated antibodies presented in four 96 well micro titer plates. To switch off the autofluorescence, infected and non-infected cells were filtered against allophycocyanin (APC). For the analysis, the PE average values of infected CFP-positive cells and non-infected CFP-negative cells were used. The establishment of the receptor surface screening in HIV-1 infected CD4+ T lymphocytes is shown schematically in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

2. Overexpression of Membrane Receptors in HIV-1 Infected T Lymphocytes

48 up to 72 hours after the infection of CD4+ T lymphocytes, the overexpression of membrane receptors that have already been described in the state of the art in connection with an HIV-infection, such as CD45RO, CD25, CD150 and CD279 is shown as expected. These results confirm the robustness and reliability of the developed screening method.

Surprisingly, however, the inventors were able to find a large number of other overexpressed membrane receptors on the infected cells, which are so far not described. The highest increase in cell surface expression was for CD134 (OX40), which is a T cell co-stimulatory molecule and cytokine receptor; see FIG. 2A.

The values indicate the X-fold increase in receptor expression on infected versus non-infected T lymphocytes (n=5, p value for all receptor molecules shown <0.01). Receptors for which an increase in the expression of CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV infection has already been described are marked in black. For all other white marked receptors the overexpression in HIV infected CD4+ T lymphocytes was unknown and therefore surprising.

CD4+ T lymphocytes were isolated from the blood of HIV-1 infected individuals. The surface of the cells was analyzed for the expression of CD134 and the interior of the cell for p24 of HIV-1. The measurement was carried out by flow cytometry. The result is shown in FIG. 2B.

The graph shows the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD134 in p24− (not infected) versus p24+ (infected) T cells from ten patients. A statistical calculation was done with the paired student T test. It was thus confirmed that the CD134 expression also strongly increases on infected CD4+ T lymphocytes from the blood of HIV-1 patients.

Thus, based on the CD134 expression, an HIV-1 infected CD4+ T lymphocyte cell can be specifically distinguished from a non-infected cell. CD134 is therefore an ideal target for an anti-HIV-1 immunotherapy.

3. Cytotoxic Agent for the Treatment of an HIV Infection

At present, some antibodies against human CD134 are already available in the state of the art. An example of this is the antibody developed by the company MedImmune with the designation MEDI6469 or 9B12, respectively. This agonistic antibody is currently only used for the treatment of solid tumors. It has already been tested for safety and anti-tumor activity in humans (Curti et al., 2013, loc. cit.). The 9B12 antibody is currently being tested in a clinical trial to determine its suitability for tumor therapy. According to the inventors' findings, this antibody is also potentially suitable for eliminating virus-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes and thus removing the pathogenic viruses from the infected host.

The detection of the cytotoxic property is as follows:

PBMCs are isolated from the blood of healthy donors. The isolated cells are infected with HIV-1 which expresses GFP or CFP. This allows the identification of the infected cell population due to the expression of the chromophore. Various amounts of the anti CD134 antibody, for example MEDI6469 (9B12), are added. An anti-mouse PE is used as the secondary antibody to detect by flow cytometry cells that bind the antibody. This experiment allows to evaluate that the antibody specifically binds to HIV-1 infected cells due to the cellular CD134 expression and not to non-infected cells. It also allows to determine whether different doses have an influence on the level of specific or non-specific binding to HIV-1-infected and non-infected cells.

Next, for a period of 12 days, the viral replication and the amount of infected cells in the HIV-1 infected PBMC-population are observed. Different amounts of the anti-CD134 antibody are added to the infected cultures. At 2 days intervals, the absolute number of infected CD4+ T cells, non-infected CD4+ T cells, the absolute levels of CD3+ cells and of CD8+ T cells which represent cytotoxic T lymphocytes are quantified. The T cell activation and proliferation is analyzed by staining on CD69 and Ki67. The levels of monocytes are measured by the expression of the CD14 receptor.

In addition, the virus production is determined on a reporter cell line by quantifying the release of p24 into the supernatant and the amount of infectious, released virions. Controls include non-infected PBMC cultures with or without treatment with an anti-CD134 antibody and HIV-1 infected PBMC without any treatment. At least three different donors will be analyzed. These experiments allow the conclusion that the CD134 ligation on ex vivo infected primary cells has the potential to eliminate infected cells or suppress viral replication and that non-infected cells are not affected or eliminated by the treatment.

The efficiency of an anti-CD134 treatment can be verified in an established humanized mouse model for the HIV-1 infection. Such a mouse model is provided by the company “Transcure”. These mice are infected with HIV-1 and left untreated (n=5) or three different doses of the anti-CD134 antibody were administered (n=5, each dose) to ligate CD134 and specifically eliminate HIV-1 infected cells which express high levels of CD134. The viral load, CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and the percentage of infected cells are observed. Overall, these experiments show that the ligation of CD134 by an antibody directed against this, such as MEDI6469 (9612), has the potential to eliminate HIV-1 infected cells from an organism and thus represents a new anti-HIV-1 immunotherapy. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection, which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.
 2. The cytotoxic agent of claim 1, which is coupled to a binding molecule which is selective for the membrane receptor.
 3. The cytotoxic agent of claim 2, wherein the binding molecule is selected from the group consisting of: immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin fragment, aptamer, lower molecular compound, receptor, receptor fragment, cytokine.
 4. The cytotoxic agent of claim 3, wherein the immunoglobulin is an agonistic antibody.
 5. The cytotoxic agent of claim 3, wherein the immunoglobulin is selected from the group consisting of: MEDI6469 (9612), MEDI6383, MEDI0562, Hu106-222/Hu119-122 (UTMDACC).
 6. The cytotoxic agent of claim 1, wherein the virus-infected T lymphocytes are virus-infected CD4⁺ T lymphocytes.
 7. The cytotoxic agent of claim 1, wherein the virus infection is an HIV infection.
 8. The cytotoxic agent of claim 1 comprising a cytostatic agent.
 9. The cytotoxic agent of claim 8, wherein the cytostatic agent is selected from the group consisting of: alkylating agents, platinum analogues, intercalants, antibiotics, mitosis inhibitors, taxanes.
 10. The cytotoxic agent of claim 1 comprising a virostatic agent.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cytotoxic agent of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 12. A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection, comprising the administration to a living being in need in a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount a cytotoxic agent, said cytotoxic agent is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.
 13. A method for the finding of cytotoxic agents, which comprises the selection of such compounds which can bind selectively to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.
 14. A method for the diagnosis of a viral infection in a living being, comprising the determination of an overexpression of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes over non-infected T lymphocytes in said living being, wherein the membrane receptor is selected from the group consisting of: CD134, CD132, CD71, CD70, CD54, CD39, BTLA, CD97, CD2, CD63, CD50, CD161, CD218, CD226, CD7, CD49d, and CD29.
 15. A method for the determination of membrane receptors of virus-infected T lymphocytes, which are suitable as a target of cytostatic agents, comprising the infection of T lymphocytes with a virus and the determination of any overexpression of membrane receptors on the virus-infected T lymphocytes over non-infected T lymphocytes. 